Kinder Australia marks 40 years of progress – from a small operation in Moorabbin to a globally recognised leader in engineered bulk materials handling solutions.
Founded in 1985 by Neil and Christine Kinder, the company has grown into a trusted partner for industries worldwide, providing innovative, sustainable solutions across mining, quarrying, agriculture, energy, and more.
Under the leadership of CEO Charles Pratt, Kinder continues to evolve, delivering performance-driven solutions that meet the needs of customers in an ever-changing world.
“In an industry where equipment is pushed to the limit, quality must never be compromised,” CEO Charles Pratt said. This belief is at the heart of Kinder’s engineering philosophy. Every product, from heavy-duty pulleys, idlers to conveyor covers, is built for endurance and reliability in the toughest environments.
Kinder’s dedication to quality earned ISO certifications for 9001 (Quality Management), 45001 (Health & Safety), and 14001 (Environmental Management). These certifications highlight the company’s commitment to excellence, safety, and environmental responsibility in every aspect of its operations.
From its early days, Kinder’s success has been driven by strong, long-term relationships with customers, distributors, and suppliers. “One of our first customers, Cheetham Salt Ltd in South Australia, remains with us to this day,” says Pratt. “That speaks to the value we aim to provide.”
Today, Kinder builds on these foundations by continuing to foster customer partnerships through education and training. Through in-house training programs, customers gain practical knowledge that helps improve safety, optimise equipment performance, and extend equipment lifespan.
At the core of Kinder’s success is a dedicated team that strives for continuous improvement and innovation. From engineering and product development to customer service and technical support, every employee is focused on delivering value.
Pratt believes in sharing knowledge and developing the next generation of professionals in the industry. “With 40 years of experience, we have a responsibility to help shape the future of the bulk materials handling sector,” Pratt said. Kinder’s partnerships with organisations like the Institute of Quarrying Australia help cultivate a culture of learning and advancement within the industry.
As industries face new challenges like dust suppression, noise control, and environmental compliance, Kinder continues to provide innovative solutions. “We don’t just stock products – we offer solutions that address urgent needs,” Pratt said.
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For example, while conveyor covers are not new, Kinder’s ability to deliver them quickly and efficiently, straight from stock, demonstrates the company’s commitment to responding to customer needs in real-time. It’s this kind of innovation and customer-first mentality that sets Kinder apart as a true partner in problem-solving.
Kinder’s reputation has been built on delivering solutions that solve real-world problems. Innovations like the K-Shield Dynamax Impact Idler and K-Sure Belt Support System are a testament to the company’s focus on performance-driven engineering. These products help customers reduce downtime, improve safety, and boost efficiency in their operations.
“We don’t just supply parts. We engineer outcomes,” Pratt said. Kinder’s dedication to practical innovation has earned the company multiple awards, including the Bulk Handling Awards’ Supplier of the Year in both 2008 and 2022.
What began as a traditional supplier of off-the-shelf conveyor component products has transformed into a forward-thinking engineering company offering customised engineered solutions. As the industry evolved, so did Kinder’s vision, and today the company provides tailored systems designed to meet the specific needs of each customer. Whether it’s mining, agriculture, ports, or energy, Kinder’s solutions are built for long-term performance and operational efficiency.
As Kinder celebrates 40 years, the company is not simply reflecting on past achievements, it’s actively preparing for the future.
“Our future is about more than products,” Pratt said. “It’s about building deeper partnerships, expanding our global reach, and continuing to innovate in ways that matter.”
As part of its forward strategy, Kinder is exploring strategic expansions, such as bolt-on maintenance services, consumables, and service partnerships that will allow it to offer more holistic support across the full lifecycle of its solutions. These efforts aim to enhance the customer experience and strengthen Kinder’s role as a long-term, value-driven partner of choice.
“We’re investing in the people, technologies, and ideas that will shape the next 40 years,” Pratt said. “Our goal is to remain the benchmark for safety, sustainability, and engineering performance in bulk materials handling, globally.”
As Kinder enters its fifth decade, its mission is more powerful than ever: to set the global benchmark for safety, sustainability, and innovation in bulk materials handling through solutions that perform, partnerships that last, and a brand that stands for excellence.